Holy Name: ‘Pencils are like gold in this school’

Photo at left: Seventh grade teacher Kathy Mercier works with a student.

First in a series of short profiles of Camden Partnership Schools.

CAMDEN — Sitting in the heart of North Camden since 1927, Holy Name School continues to be a source of hope and optimism for students and parents.

“Holy Name is right at the center, offering continued excellence,” said Karen Dietrich, executive director of Catholic Partnership Schools.

Opening in September 1927, and originally staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill, Pa., the 2010-11 school year began with 155 students enrolled from K-8 — a 10 percent increase from last year.

“We want to provide quality Catholic education, so students succeed here, in high school, in college, and beyond,” said Patricia Quinter, Principal at Holy Name.

With a mostly Hispanic student body, among African-American, Causasian, and multi-racial students, the school provides language and speech support. Each classroom has seven internet-accessible computers and one printer to provide students with comprehensive math and reading programs.

Every morning, breakfast is provided, along with lunch in the afternoon.

In keeping with Quinter’s goal of having a “safe environment” in the school, students are educated daily on the dangers of bullying, alcohol and drugs.

Upcoming activities include a walk-a-thon next month, not only to raise money, but to “show school spirit and promote Catholic education.” The 6th-8th grade basketball program will continue this fall, and continue into the spring and summer, and it is hoped that a street hockey program will be implemented soon, as well.

Many families are unable to provide for essential school supplies, but individuals provide donations of pencils, backpacks and clothes.

“Pencils are like gold in this school,” Quinter says.

The Holy Name principal is extremely grateful for the help from people, such as retirees, who will tutor the children or provide stationery to students, or even sweatshirts to each one in the winter months.

The help “is such an asset, an advantage to our children,” she says, and helps to give them a “cheerful, happy” school experience, and one that is filled with quality, Catholic education.